The Kason festival of watering the Sacred Bodhi Tr Essays

The Kason festival of watering the Sacred Bodhi Tree, symbolizing the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha is an important Buddhist event throughout Myanmar. The full moon day of Kason is the Buddha Day, celebrated by the Buddhist faithful throughout the world. This year, the event is held on May 25th. On this day Dipankara Buddha prophesied to the hermit Sumedha that he would become Gotama Buddha, the latest one in this Baddha World, who again on suchlike days was born, attained Enlightenment (i.e., became the Buddha), and entered Parinibbana (i.e., passed away). The Buddha Day is the most significant day in the Buddhist world. It is a day four times blessed which is deeply intertwined with the milestones in the Buddhas life. The festival is also known as Vesak Day in other Buddhist countries, or the festival of pouring water on the Bodhi tree. The Bodhi tree ( Ficus Religiosa ), under which former prince Siddhattha attained Enlightenment, is held sacred. Hence the act of pouring water on it is an expression of piety and respect shown to him. Participants carry pots of water and Eugenia springs and flowers. Then comes chanting of Paritta verses, a brief explanation of the rites, and recitation of poems praising the Lord Buddha. Finally, water is poured at the foot of the Bodhi tree. Buddhist people would march in a grand procession to the Bodhi tree or to the pagodas to pour scented water. Every pagoda in Myanmar worth its salt has a sacred site complete with a Bodhi tree in its precincts. Yet festive atmosphere is not lacking: light refreshments are served accompanied by music and dance performed by amateur merry-makers. -- ( ) ( ) / / - -